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Join Paddle Naples for a 2.5-hour guided eco tour featuring paddleboarding and kayaking around Big Hickory Island. Witness dolphins, manatees, and vibrant marine life on this beginner-friendly adventure in Fort Myers Beach.
Join Paddle Naples for a 2.5-hour guided eco tour featuring paddleboarding and kayaking around Big Hickory Island. Witness dolphins, manatees, and vibrant marine life on this beginner-friendly adventure in Fort Myers Beach.
Book with Paddle Naples
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Paddle Naples · Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Situated along the shimmering shores of Fort Myers Beach, Paddle Naples offers a guided eco tour that immerses paddlers in the vibrant aquatic life and natural beauty of Southwest Florida. This 2.5-hour adventure begins from the calm waters around Big Hickory Island in Bonita Springs, where participants can choose between paddleboarding and kayaking. The tour boasts beginner-friendly instructions, ensuring newbies feel confident as they glide over crystal-clear waters on transparent boards, providing unparalleled views of schools of colorful fish, curious manatees, and playful dolphins.
What makes this experience stand out is its focus on both accessibility and wildlife interaction. Whether paddling quietly through mangroves or drifting beside expansive salt marshes, guests enjoy intimate encounters with the region’s diverse ecosystem. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for photography, making it an ideal outing for families or anyone eager for a close-up look at Florida’s aquatic residents.
Paddle Naples's approach emphasizes sustainability, keeping the delicate marine environment pristine. This tour perfectly complements the area's reputation as a prime outdoor recreation hotspot, offering a chance to connect with nature while respecting it. The staff’s local knowledge enriches the trip, sharing insights about the region’s ecology and history.
This eco tour is an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful yet engaging outdoor activity, combining wildlife observation with the thrill of paddling on transparent boards. It’s a memorable way to experience Florida’s coastal wilderness up close, all while supporting a business committed to preserving its natural surroundings.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; little to no prior experience needed
No prior experience is necessary; the tour includes beginner lessons for all participants.
Bring sunscreen, water, a waterproof camera or phone, and dress according to the weather forecast.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for most ages, provided they can comfortably paddle.
Facilities are available at the meeting point and along the shoreline if needed.
You could encounter dolphins, manatees, and a variety of sea birds during the trip.
Paddle Naples prioritizes sustainable practices to protect the delicate coastal habitats.
The waters around Fort Myers Beach have long been vital to local fishing communities and indigenous tribes, with many stories passed down through the generations.
Paddle Naples promotes environmental stewardship by minimizing impact and educating participants about local ecosystems.
Paddle Naples is a Bonita Springs water sports outfitter specializing in guided eco tours and rentals on Estero Bay and Big Hickory Island. It offers clear kayaks, tandem kayaks, single and tandem kayak rentals, paddleboards, and Hobie pedal-drive craft for fishing or leisure. Tours include guided eco experiences—both paddleboard and kayak options—ranging from one-hour excursions to 2.5-hour clear paddleboard trips, plus sunset and glow-light clear kayak outings. Trips launch from Big Hickory Island and explore mangrove estuaries, inlets, and barrier islands where guests commonly see dolphins, manatees, pelicans, and diverse shorebirds. Paddle Naples provides beginner-friendly lessons, complimentary photos on guided tours, safety gear such as life vests and dry boxes, and alternatives like pedal kayaks for paddlers seeking less upper-body effort. Rentals include hourly and multi-hour options; guided tours focus on ecology, wildlife viewing, and relaxed beach exploration. The business serves families, first-time paddlers, and experienced paddlers seeking clear-hull visibility or a self-guided outing. Paddle Naples emphasizes local knowledge of Southwest Florida waterways, small-group guided experiences, and on-water instruction to build confidence. Equipment is maintained for safety and visibility, and staff provide orientation before departures. Reservations are available for specific trip types, and shore access locations include Big Hickory Island and nearby Bonita Springs launch points. Customers can choose guided or self-guided options with clear-hull gear, lessons, and safety briefings tailored to skill level and trip length.
Book with Paddle Naples